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Review: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules

Ferris Bueller, sans the wit and charm
By TOM MEEK  |  March 31, 2011
2.0 2.0 Stars

I don't know what the original wimp, Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), in Jeff Kinney's novels is like, but in this second screen adaptation, he's less a nebbish than a self-interested conniver in the mold of Ferris Bueller, sans the wit and charm. Greg, now in the seventh grade, has a crush on a hot new girl (Peyton List), though most of the action is driven by a house party that his brother Rodrick (Devon Bostick) throws and that they have to hide from their parents. The real wimpy kid is Greg's BFF, Rowley (Robert Capron), a sweet overweight beam of sunshine whom Greg often employs as a foil in his shenanigans. The actors make the most of it, and director David Bowers (Astro Boy) keeps the gags coming at an ADD-appeasing pace. What this wimp lacks, however, is heart. More Rowley and less Rodrick should have been the rule.

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2 Comments / Add Comment

Modest Complexity

While the sequel is not as good as the first, and neither live up to the books, I still thought it was pretty entertaining. Props to Zachary Gordon for playing a likeable lead, and for staying true to the character without going too far over the top.

Like the first movie, I thought this also had great use of music. "Got Me the Beat" by Roge and "School Daze" by Jet Stream were the perfect dancey tunes to be playing at the skating rink ("Got Me the Beat" was when Greg and Rowley run into Fregley, "School Daze" was when Greg's mom was doing the embarassing dance). It reminded me of how well John Hughes movies from the 80s used music at school dance scenes.

Also, Tokyo Police Club's "Wait Up" was a great choice for Rodrick's party when Greg and Rowley try to navigate through all the chaos.
Posted: April 11 2011 at 8:25 PM

Modest Complexity

While the sequel is not as good as the first, and neither live up to the books, I still thought it was pretty entertaining. Props to Zachary Gordon for playing a likeable lead, and for staying true to the character without going too far over the top.

Like the first movie, I thought this also had great use of music. "Got Me the Beat" by Roge and "School Daze" by Jet Stream were the perfect dancey tunes to be playing at the skating rink ("Got Me the Beat" was when Greg and Rowley run into Fregley, "School Daze" was when Greg's mom was doing the embarassing dance). It reminded me of how well John Hughes movies from the 80s used music at school dance scenes.

Also, Tokyo Police Club's "Wait Up" was a great choice for Rodrick's party when Greg and Rowley try to navigate through all the chaos.
Posted: April 11 2011 at 8:26 PM
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